Helping to bring awareness to issues various societal issues as well as paying homage to those who are helping to combat the ills with 'The Defender Campaign', singer Mica Millar has shared her latest single which boasts the same title. 'The Defender' is a soulful and slightly haunting blend of Hip-Hop drum patterns underneath jazz-tinged toppings. Using her powerful vocals to deliver gripping lyricism, the brilliant song includes additional production from drum and bass legend Goldie and James Davidson.
Throughout the UK the sound of jazz music has been an integral part of inspiring some of the country’s most rooted and forward-thinking scenes. Whether it be DJs like Gilles Peterson and Chris Bangs laying down a foundation for the acid jazz movement in the late 80s that would go on to also encompass soul and Hip-Hop or the likes of 4Hero, Goldie and LTJ Bukem who fused jazz into drum and bass, charging with a Herbie Hancock aim of futurism, the music has flowed into various sub-genres even at times when it wasn’t the most fashionable in its traditional state. The broken beat community would go on to use the music as a backbone for a universe leaping style of production dripping with sophistication with artists such as 4Hero, Bugs In The Attic, IG Culture and a slew of others meshing that which is complex yet grooving. With the current state of music being dominated by trap-oriented sonics and synth-piercing pop, South London’s The Expansions are continuing to push the legacy of jazz and funk-stirred rhythms that are not only core but boundary pushing in the same breath.
Throughout the UK the sound of jazz music has been an integral part of inspiring some of the country’s most rooted and forward-thinking scenes. Whether it be DJs like Gilles Peterson and Chris Bangs laying down a foundation for the acid jazz movement in the late 80s that would go on to also encompass soul and Hip-Hop or the likes of 4Hero, Goldie and LTJ Bukem who fused jazz into drum and bass, charging with a Herbie Hancock aim of futurism, the music has flowed into various sub-genres even at times when it wasn’t the most fashionable in its traditional state. The broken beat community would go on to use the music as a backbone for a universe leaping style of production dripping with sophistication with artists such as 4Hero, Bugs In The Attic, IG Culture and a slew of others meshing that which is complex yet grooving. With the current state of music being dominated by trap-oriented sonics and synth-piercing pop, South London’s The Expansions are continuing to push the legacy of jazz and funk-stirred rhythms that are not only core but boundary pushing in the same breath.
The Whyte Horses will release their second album 'Empty Words' on March 9th via CRC Records. One of the songs taken from the new record is this cover version of Thorinshield's 1968 tune 'The Best Of It'. Enlisting none other than La Roux to provide the vocals, the song is lush journey through raw psych, pop and even a slab of northern soul. Still maintaining somewhat of a 60s sound, the band have managed to give it a modern twist that bridges the gap between the past and present. You can stream 'The Best Of It' down below.
Photo by Tom Joy
Typically when artists release a track dedicated to the not so …
There is no denying the sonic distinction of modern pop music coming out of Sweden. With a reputation that includes sharp synth work and stadium style choruses, the Scandi-pop sound is a magnet for chart success. Whilst it could be easy for a Swedish artist to get caught up in a formulaic web, Stockholm-based singer and producer Bishat is definitely not afraid of trekking down alternate routes. From dark pop to soul, she has proven on numerous occasions that she is as versatile as they come with a power packing voice that can practically carry any rhythm.
There is no denying the sonic distinction of modern pop music coming out of Sweden. With a reputation that includes sharp synth work and stadium style choruses, the Scandi-pop sound is a magnet for chart success. Whilst it could be easy for a Swedish artist to get caught up in a formulaic web, Stockholm-based singer and producer Bishat is definitely not afraid of trekking down alternate routes. From dark pop to soul, she has proven on numerous occasions that she is as versatile as they come with a power packing voice that can practically carry any rhythm.
London singer Shanaz Dorsett is a vocalist who is poised to make a major mark …
Janelle Monáe has announced the release of her new album 'Dirty Computer', dropping April 27th. To warm everyone's taste buds, the superstar has not only released one video but rather two simultaneously.
The first, 'Make Me Feel', is directed by Alan Ferguson and features Monáe playing a number of character roles in a setting that references punk, new wave and more.
The second video, the Andrew Donoho and Chuck Lightning-directed 'Django Jane', finds Janelle Monáe rapping whilst stylishly dressed with a mini army of biker jacket clad dancers.
Having collaborated with the likes of My Nu Leng, Brighton-raised, London-based singer Sophie Bond aka …
